Dunford is NDIA’s pick for its highest honor, the Eisenhower award

Gen. Joseph Dunford

ARLINGTON, VA – Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and honored Marine of more than 40 years, is the 2019 recipient of the National Defense Industrial Association’s Dwight. D. Eisenhower Award, the Arlington, VA-based nonprofit group announced Monday, March 25.

NDIA chose Dunford for its most prestigious award for his steady leadership and prominent voice as chief adviser to the president, defense secretary and National Security Council. He is the 19th chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the nation’s highest ranking military officer, taking the oath in October 2015.

“We are grateful to Gen. Dunford for his unwavering support of the U.S. military. He has been a selfless and dedicated leader since he first put on a uniform,” said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, NDIA’s president and chief executive officer. “He understands his role as adviser to our top decision makers, but knows his commitment is to the men and women of our armed forces. In turn, he has stood up for the industry that makes ours the best fighting force in the world. For that, it’s an honor to present him with this year’s Eisenhower award.”

Dunford became head of the Joint Chiefs from serving as the 36th Marine Corps commandant. Beginning with his 1977 commission, Dunford rose through the ranks through the infantry, including a battalion command of 6th Marines and command of 5th Marine Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also was assistant division commander of the 1st Marine Division, as well as the Marine Corps’ director of operations and deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations. He commanded I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces U.S. Central Command. Dunford also was assistant Marine Corps commandant and commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

A native of Boston, Dunford is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College, the Army Ranger School, Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, and the Army War College. He also holds master’s degrees from Georgetown University and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Dunford will receive the award before defense industry and government representatives at the annual Dwight D. Eisenhower Award Dinner, Friday, May 10, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel in Arlington.

The Eisenhower award is the highest honor that NDIA bestows. Founded in 1979, the award is given each year to an American citizen who exemplifies the 34th U.S. president’s contribution to a strong national security, a robust defense industrial base and unwavering support of warfighters. 

For questions and information, please contact Evamarie Socha esocha@ndia.org or (703) 247-2579.